Gurnick’s Psychiatric Tech Program Graduates Have New Job Opportunities

Concord, California (EastBayDaily) — Job opportunities in Northern California for Gurnick’s Psychiatric Technician Program grads and students are rising.

According to State of California Employment Development Department, in California, the number of Psychiatric Technicians is expected to grow faster than average growth rate for all occupations. Jobs for Psychiatric Technicians are expected to increase by 21.3 percent, or 1,900 jobs between 2010 and 2020.

At the same time, the changes were made by California Department of Human Resources and a new classification was added: Pre-licensed Psychiatric Technician. Gurnick Academy’s Psychiatric Technician Program students and graduates are able to start working without license. According to California Department of Human Resources, they must become licensed by the BVNPT within nine months of the date of appointment. Incumbents work under direct supervision to assist licensed staff in providing custody services and basic behavioral and psychiatric nursing care to the forensic clients, patients, or inmates.

Many of Gurnick recent PT students and graduates were hired right after graduation. Over 80% of our PT graduates from the class of 2013 were hired by Department of State Hospitals in Stockton, CA that was opened in 2013 with 426 positions for PTs.

Those who would like to work during the program can apply for a position as a mental health worker in psychiatric facilities. Some Developmental Disabled programs are hiring licensed PTs and have positions for staff workers in group homes, so non-licensed psychiatric technicians and PT students can apply for these jobs.

Julie Pells, Psychiatric Technician Program Coordinator said: “Jobs for Psych Techs will only rise in California due to the plans of the state government to have more State Hospitals for patients with mental illnesses built in the state with the need for about 300 to 500 more psych techs in the future.”

Gurnick’s Psychiatric Technician Program is 14 months long and currently available only at Concord Campus. Gurnick Academy participates in various federal and state student financial assistance programs.